Visiting family, exploring a new destination or simply taking a road trip can provide a welcome change of scenery. For people who use mobility devices, however, travelling may require a little more preparation. Questions about accessibility, equipment storage, battery requirements and long walking distances can add stress before a trip even begins. Caregivers may also wonder how they will manage a wheelchair, walker or mobility scooter along with luggage.
Planning ahead can make travel with mobility devices much more comfortable. Choosing equipment suited to your destination, understanding transportation requirements and giving yourself extra time can help you focus less on logistics and more on enjoying your trip.
Choose a mobility device that matches your trip.
The best travel mobility device isn’t necessarily the smallest or lightest. It needs to suit the person using it, the destination and the type of transportation involved. In an article for Everyday Tourist, Richard White emphasizes balancing portability with practical comfort and support when choosing a lightweight mobility scooter for travel. A scooter still needs to provide adequate stability, weight capacity and comfort for the places you intend to visit.
For a road trip, consider how easily your mobility device fits into your vehicle. If a scooter separates into several sections, look at the weight of the heaviest individual piece rather than focusing only on its total weight. This is especially important if one caregiver will regularly load and unload it. Travellers should also consider battery range, charging requirements, seat comfort, turning radius and the surfaces they expect to encounter.
Think about comfort as well as portability.
Lightweight mobility equipment can be convenient. However, portability should not come at the expense of comfort or stability. White notes that three-wheel mobility scooters can offer easier manoeuvrability in tight spaces. Four-wheel models may provide a greater feeling of stability for some users, particularly outdoors.
Consider what a typical travel day will actually involve. Will you be navigating a hotel, museum or shopping centre? Will you encounter uneven outdoor pathways? How many hours will you be away from your accommodation? Comfortable seating, supportive backrests and easy-to-use controls can become particularly important during longer days. The goal is to conserve energy so you can enjoy your destination rather than becoming exhausted simply getting around it.
Plan ahead when flying with mobility equipment.
Air travel requires additional planning because every airline has procedures for handling mobility equipment. Air Canada advises passengers travelling with their own mobility aid or requiring assistance to and from their cabin seat to contact Air Canada Accessibility Services. The airline says passengers can generally continue using their own mobility aid until it needs to be stored and can have it delivered to the gate upon arrival.
Small manual mobility aids, including canes, crutches, braces, walkers and rollators, can be brought on board Air Canada flights at no additional charge when they can be safely stowed. If they cannot be safely stored in the cabin, Air Canada says they can be transported with checked baggage free of charge. If you use a manual wheelchair, provide that information when making your booking or contact the airline’s accessibility department in advance.
Know the rules for powered mobility devices.
According to Air Canada, passengers travelling with a battery-powered mobility aid should contact Air Canada Accessibility Services at least 48 hours before departure. They should also complete the airline’s Powered Mobility Aid Information Form and arrive at the airport at least 30 minutes earlier than the normally recommended check-in time.
Air Canada also asks travellers to provide the height, width, weight and battery types of their mobility devices. These details help determine whether the equipment can fit through the aircraft’s cargo door.
Before leaving home, remove detachable accessories where appropriate and follow your airline’s directions about carrying them. Air Canada recommends removing removable parts from a powered mobility aid and packing them in your carry-on. Taking a few photos of your device before handing it to airline staff can also give you a record of its condition before the flight.
Check your mobility device’s battery.
For Air Canada flights, removable lithium-ion batteries must be detached from the mobility aid and carried in the aircraft cabin with the traveller. The airline currently specifies a maximum lithium-ion battery rating of 300 Wh for these mobility aids. Do not assume that the rules will be identical between airlines, routes or connecting carriers. Requirements can change, so check directly with every airline involved in your itinerary well before departure.
Keep information about your mobility device and its battery readily available. A copy of the manufacturer’s specifications can be helpful if airline employees need to confirm the battery type, dimensions or other details.
Give yourself extra time.
Arriving early gives you more time to check in mobility equipment, answer questions about batteries and arrange assistance without worrying about missing your flight. White similarly recommends planning ahead and contacting an airline before travelling rather than waiting until you reach the airport to ask about mobility equipment.
Extra time can be useful during road trips too. Plan accessible rest stops and allow time to stretch, use the washroom, charge equipment if necessary and reorganize the vehicle. If you’re travelling to an unfamiliar destination, research accessibility before you arrive. Ask hotels about accessible entrances, elevators and room layouts. Look into transportation options and the accessibility of attractions you intend to visit.
Enjoy the journey with greater confidence.
Travelling comfortably with a wheelchair, walker or mobility scooter largely comes down to preparation. Choose equipment that suits your abilities and destination, understand transportation requirements, practice handling the device and leave enough time for unexpected delays. Most importantly, mobility equipment can help conserve your energy for the experiences that matter. As White explains, the right mobility aid can help people travel with greater independence while reducing strain on caregivers.
No matter the mobility solution that may fit your needs in Calgary, Advantage Home Health Solutions can help! Our experienced team works closely with Occupational Therapists, home care providers and other healthcare professionals to help clients find practical solutions that support safer, more independent living. Planning a trip is also a great opportunity to make sure your mobility equipment fits your changing needs.
Please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 403-460-5438 and ask us all about our travel mobility power chairs and scooters! You may also email us by filling out the form on our Contact page.
